A Giuliani Fundraising Appeal: Only I Can Beat Hillary

Rudy Giuliani's campaign will release an appeal today penned by campaign manager Michael DuHaime that for the first time, not only calls him the Only One Who Can Beat The Democrats, but proceeds to lay out just how Giuliani differs from the dreaded Dems.

The letter refers to Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama -- DuHaime tries to be ecumenical -- but then he slips at the end and writes that "your contributions" would be key in "helping Rudy go the distance and beat Hillary Clinton next November."

It draws a subtle contrast with Giuliani's main rival for the nomination, Mitt Romney, by portraying the primary campaign as a 50-state endeavor, rather than an IA/NH/SC-centric romp. And, obviously, it poses the question: Mitt, can YOU beat Hillary?

If a Democrat wins in 2008, Americans will have a President in the White House where the Terrorists' War on Us is mocked as simply a bumper sticker, taxes are increased and the government runs your health care. In contrast, a Rudy Giuliani administration will keep us on Offense in the Terrorists' War on Us, end illegal immigration and cut spending-- all promises based upon Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People. Voters know that Rudy is the candidate with the vision, the know-how and the proven results to move America forward and make it a better place for all of us.

The full letter is after the jump.

There is only one Republican candidate who can win the Republican nomination and beat the Democrats in 2008: Rudy Giuliani.

According to national and swing-state polls, Rudy is leading the field. The Rasmussen poll shows Rudy ahead of the leading Democrat candidate, Hillary Clinton, 47% to 40%. In important swing states such as Ohio, which has played a key factor in choosing the winner for many years, polls show Rudy is the only Republican candidate who can compete with the Democrats, with the next closest Republican candidate double digits behind Hillary and far behind Obama.. The same goes for other important battleground states such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. If that's not enough, Rudy is the only candidate who can win the California primary and general election - making California competitive for Republicans for the first time since 1988.

These numbers are very encouraging, but we need your help to keep this momentum going. In just over four months, the first votes will be cast in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. Will you help Rudy continue to bring his message of strong leadership and proven results to voters across America? Your contribution of $500, $250, $100, $50 or $25 will go a long way in helping Rudy go the distance and beat Hillary Clinton next November.

If a Democrat wins in 2008, Americans will have a President in the White House where the Terrorists' War on Us is mocked as simply a bumper sticker, taxes are increased and the government runs your health care. In contrast, a Rudy Giuliani administration will keep us on Offense in the Terrorists' War on Us, end illegal immigration and cut spending-- all promises based upon Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People. Voters know that Rudy is the candidate with the vision, the know-how and the proven results to move America forward and make it a better place for all of us.

This is going to be a long, hard fight and victory is a long way away. Rudy needs your help.Will you contribute $500, $250, $100, $50 or $25 to help Rudy continue bringing his message of protecting our families, securing our borders and lowering our taxes to voters across America? Any help you can give is appreciated.

Rudy is the right man at the right time. And is the only candidate who can beat the Democrats in November. You know that’s not just a line I’m feeding you because I’ve got the numbers to back me up.

Sincerely,

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Marc Ambinder is an Atlantic contributing editor. He is also a senior contributor at Defense One, a contributing editor at GQ, and a regular contributor at The Week.